Youth Week grant

THE NSW Government has given a $250,000 boost to local councils across the state as they gear up to celebrate Youth Week 2013 in April.

THE NSW Government has given a $250,000 boost to local councils across the state as they gear up to celebrate Youth Week 2013 in April. Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello said each of NSW's 152 ouncils would share in more than $244,000 worth of Youth Week grants. Of this, Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River shires will each receive $1,230, which is the norm for most councils.

"Through Youth Week, the NSW Government wants to encourage young people aged 12 to 25 years to play a greater role in their communities and to encourage people from different backgrounds to come together and get involved.

"Whether it's organising music concerts and film festivals, or participating in leadership workshops and sport competitions, we want all young people in NSW to take part.

"Activities such as these, organised with the help of local councils, not only encourage disengaged youth to get involved, but assist all young people to develop skills that may help them later in life," Mr Dominello said.

This year Youth Week will run from April 5 to 14 with the theme 'Be Active. Be Happy. Be You'.

"It's an important opportunity for young people to speak up on the issues that matter to them - and for older generations to stop and listen," Mr Dominello said.

"We are lucky to have a diverse population of young people in NSW and Youth Week celebrates that diversity.

"I encourage people from all backgrounds - whether they are Aboriginal, from multicultural communities, live in the bush or the city - to come forward and use their wide range of talents and ideas in planning, implementing or participating in local activities."